Getting water on your phone is a common mishap, but what’s the best way to save it? For years, the internet has touted uncooked rice as the go-to solution for drying out wet phones. However, recent advice from Apple’s support documents suggests otherwise.
Contrary to popular belief, Apple explicitly advises against putting your wet iPhone in a bag of rice. According to Apple, doing so could potentially introduce small particles of rice into the device, causing damage. So, what should you do instead?
Apple’s recommendations include avoiding external heat sources like hair dryers and compressed air, as well as refraining from inserting cotton swabs or paper towels into charging ports. Instead, they suggest gently tapping the phone with the connector pointing down, similar to how you might remove water from your ear after swimming. Then, leave the phone in an area with good airflow to dry and wait for at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it. If the liquid detection alert persists, it’s best to wait up to 24 hours for the phone to thoroughly dry.
The belief that rice can absorb moisture from electronics has been debunked by experts. While rice is a desiccant, its absorbent properties are limited, and it’s mainly the time spent drying out that helps. Moreover, leaving the phone in a bag of rice may keep it out of sight, preventing users from prematurely attempting to power it on.
In conclusion, if you find your iPhone wet, resist the urge to reach for the rice. Follow Apple’s guidelines for the best chance of salvaging your device. Remember, patience and proper drying techniques are key to ensuring your iPhone remains in good working condition after an accidental encounter with water.